Behind the Badge | Correction Deputy Training

BEHIND THE BADGE

Correctional deputy hopefuls get tough training in and out of the classroom

BY SHERIFF IAN PARKINSON

Acouple of columns ago, I wrote about a pre-academy we had for patrol deputy candidates. At that time, I talked about the intensive training the candidates get even before they get to the actual academy. On the correctional side, the training is no less intensive. The idea is we want deputies who are well trained to respond to any situation, whether they are out on the streets or inside the jail.

Recently we had a class graduate from a correctional deputy training academy. This training, like all the training taught at academies, is intense and not for the faint of heart. But that’s why we train like that — to get the absolute best out of our candidates, and to expose to them all the demands this job can entail and all the responsibilities which we expect of them.

Let’s start by telling you some of the training these men and women go through before they can graduate from the academy. First, the academy is heavy on classroom instruction to make sure the candidates understand the different protocols and procedures we must follow in the jail. The cadets learn multiple disciplines when going through the academy. Some of the main subjects include classes on cultural diversity, the Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations, effective communication skills, suicide prevention awareness, crisis intervention, and use of force training. Many of these classes are designed to de-escalate situations within the jail. Why an emphasis on this? Because it makes the environment in the jail safe, not only for the inmates, but also for our correctional deputies.

Physical activity and agility are also important components of this training. The cadets need to be physically fit. As a result, we put the cadets through some practical scenarios. For instance, they’re taught about search techniques both for housing units and patdowns of the inmates. They also learn about defensive tactics, cell extraction of inmates, arrest and control measures, and firearms training.

The latest class of the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s correctional deputies academy poses during its graduation ceremony. Contributed photos

right here on the Sheriff’s Office campus. Normally, cadets would be sent to an academy where they would live, eat, sleep, and train at an off-site facility. But the Sheriff’s Office contracts with a company called 10-8 Tactics and Training, which runs the academy right here at the Sheriff’s Office. The instructors at this company are all current or former law enforcement supervisors. Why do we do this instead of the traditional method? Because it’s a huge cost-savings for the Sheriff’s Office and San Luis Obispo County.

Working as a correctional deputy in the jail is not for everyone. It can be difficult, physically, and emotionally draining work. Most days you are dealing with a population that can be dismissive of you and the law enforcement profession to sometimes downright hostile. But at the end of the day, you can rest assured that as a correctional deputy you have kept the inmates, yourself, and your community safe. That’s why we expect so much of our correctional deputies. Because we know, you would expect nothing less.

ART SHOW

Paso Robles Art in the Park

BY CAMILLE DEVAUL

After two years, the Paso Robles Art in the Park has brought back their April showing. Steve Powers produces the Art in the Park show in the Paso Robles City Park twice a year. However, both shows were canceled in 2020 due to COVID restrictions, only to return in October 2021.

But this April, Art in the Park is returning, with over 135 fine artists and craft designers ready to showcase their creations. Celebrating five years in 2022, the Paso Robles Art in the Park Show has become the largest and finest show in San Luis Obispo County. Over 7,000 people visit the show over its two days.

The producer of the show, Steve Powers, has been directing art shows in California since 1975. He first became involved with art shows when he started selling his handmade leather belts at shows during his college years.

“We’re looking forward to it [the show]. We pretty much have a full show and are ready to go,” said Powers.

Art that can be seen varies from fine art, metal and leatherwork, photography, jewelry, stained glass, and even handmade clothing. Many of the artists are SLO County locals, and others come from all over California. In addition, visitors of the show come from all over the Nation, and some come from Europe while they are here touring the State.

The April show brings beautiful Spring weather and a fresh atmosphere that the artists have missed for two years and are looking forward to getting back to a great art show. “All the artists have been chomping at their bits for a couple of years like most everyone else,” said Powers.

Some local artists at the show include:

• Georganna Dean, Grover Beach

• Andrew Wilkie, Morro Bay (teacher at AHS)

• Nic Stover, San Luis Obispo

• Julie Dunn, Atascadero

• Barry Lundgren, Atascadero

Each year the show brings in new artists. This year Powers says there are artists coming to Paso Robles all the way from Oregon and Arizona, all showcasing their original work.

Powers only allows original art in the show. All items are handcrafted by the artist, who is with their work in the park. Visitors and art shoppers get to speak with the artist directly and in person, something rarely seen at art shows anymore, says Powers.

Admission to the show is free and open to the general public.

The April Paso Robles Art Show is 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, April 9, and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday, April 10 in the Paso Robles Downtown City Park.